How to uininstall the JacksBot remote access trojan
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is JacksBot?
JacksBot (also known as jRAT) is the name of a Java-based Remote Access Trojan (RAT) that can be ported to run not only on Windows but also on macOS and Linux. Typically, cyber criminals distribute RATs to remotely monitor and control infected machines.
Most of them use RATs to steal sensitive information or proliferate other malware. Research shows that JacksBot can access the webcam and log keystrokes. If there is a reason to suspect that JacksBot or any other RAT is installed on a device, remove it immediately.
As mentioned, JacksBot can log keystrokes (record keyboard input/log information).
Usually, cyber criminals use the keylogging feature to capture personal, financial information such as bank account numbers, social security numbers, PIN codes, credit card details, login credentials (email addresses, usernames, passwords), and other sensitive details.
The attackers target information that can be used to steal identities, personal accounts and use them to make fraudulent purchases and transactions, spread malware, access other personal information, send spam, and for other malicious purposes.a
JacksBot can also access the webcam. Therefore, the attackers can record their victims and use recorded videos to blackmail them.
Many RATs are capable of executing commands (via Command Prompt, PowerShell) and downloading and opening files. RATs with such features are used to install additional malware or other unwanted software (e.g., ransomware, other Trojans, cryptocurrency miners) onto the infected machines.
Additionally, some RATs can manage (copy, move, delete, rename, etc.) files stored on the infected computer, capture screenshots, access the microphone, and perform other actions. In most cases, RATs can cause serious damage.
| Name | jRAT malware |
| Threat Type | Remote Access Trojan, Keylogger |
| Detection Names | BitDefender (Trojan.GenericKD.45914344), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of Java/Kryptik.AHE), Fortinet (Java/Agent.BKZ!tr), TrendMicro (TROJ_GEN.F04IE00CH21), Full List (VirusTotal) |
| Symptoms | Remote Administration Trojans are designed to stealthily infiltrate the victim's computer and remain silent, and thus no particular symptoms are clearly visible on an infected machine. |
| Distribution methods | Infected email attachments, malicious online advertisements, social engineering, software 'cracks'. |
| Damage | Stolen passwords and banking information, identity theft, monetary loss. |
| Malware Removal (Windows) | To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your computer with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. |
In conclusion, a RAT is a type of malware that can be the reason behind serious issues such as loss of access to various personal accounts (email, banking, social media, etc.), identity theft, monetary, data loss, installation of other malware, and so on.
RATs often run silently in the system background, and victims are unaware that they are installed on their computers.
Some examples of other Remote Administration Trojans are TVRAT, Strigoi Master, and ObliqueRAT.
How did JacksBot infiltrate my computer?
Research shows that JacksBot is distributed via malspam campaign. More precisely, via emails claiming to be shipment notifications from DHL and containing malicious attachments (one is a malicious JAR file/Java ARchive used to distribute JacksBot).
Malware is often distributed via phishing emails. Usually, these emails have a malicious file attached to them or contain a link (e.g., a link designed to download a malicious file).
Malware (including ransomware) is usually distributed via malspam campaigns, unofficial software activation ('cracking') tools, Trojans, dubious file/software download sources, and fake software updating tools.
When cyber criminals attempt to distribute malware via malspam campaigns, they send emails that contain malicious attachments or download links for malicious files. Typically, they disguise their emails as official and important. If recipients open the attached file (or a file downloaded via a website link), they cause installation of malicious software.
Cyber criminals commonly attach executable files (.exe), archive files such as RAR, ZIP, PDF documents, JavaScript files and Microsoft Office documents to their emails. Software 'cracking' tools supposedly activate licensed software illegally (bypass activation), however, they often install malicious programs and do not activate any legitimate installed software.
Trojans are other rogue programs that can cause chain infections. I.e., when a Trojan is installed on the operating system, it can install additional malware.
Free file hosting websites, freeware download websites, Peer-to-Peer networks (e.g., torrent clients, eMule), unofficial websites, and third party downloaders are examples of other sources that are used to distribute malware. Cyber criminals disguise malicious files as legitimate and regular. When users download and open them, they inadvertently infect their computers with malware.
Fake software updating tools install malicious software rather than updates/fixes for installed programs, or they exploit bugs/flaws of outdated software that is installed on the operating system.
How to avoid installation of malware
Do not trust irrelevant emails that have files attached (or contain website links) and are received from unknown, suspicious addresses. Software should not be downloaded or installed through third party downloaders, installers, unofficial pages or other similar sources/tools.
Use only official websites and direct links. Installed software should never be updated or activated with third party, unofficial tools, since they can install malware. Furthermore, it is illegal to use third party tools to activate licensed software.
The only legitimate way to update and activate software is to use tools and functions that are provided by the official developers. Regularly scan your computer with reputable antivirus or anti-spyware software and keep this software up to date.
If you believe that your computer is already infected, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate infiltrated malware.
Malspam email used to deliver JacksBot:
Text in this email:
Subject: DHL Shipment Notification : 771037910321
Dear Customer,
Attached is the Original Shipping documents and BL as assigned to deliver to you.
Notification for shipment event group "Pick Up" for 17 March, 2021.
AWB Number: 771037910321
Pickup Date: 2021-03-17
Service: Express
Pieces: 3
Custom. Ref:
Description: COMMERCIAL INVOICE, BILL OF LADING, ETC DOCRegards
Thank you for shipping with DHL Express!Deutsche Post DHL - The Mail & Logistics Group.
2021 © DHL International GmbH. All rights reserved.Terms & Conditions | Privacy Statement
Instant automatic malware removal:
Manual threat removal might be a lengthy and complicated process that requires advanced IT skills. Combo Cleaner is a professional automatic malware removal tool that is recommended to get rid of malware. Download it by clicking the button below:
▼ DOWNLOAD Combo Cleaner
By downloading any software listed on this website you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. 7 days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by Rcs Lt, the parent company of PCRisk.com read more.
Quick menu:
- What is JacksBot?
- STEP 1. Manual removal of JacksBot malware.
- STEP 2. Check if your computer is clean.
How to remove malware manually?
Manual malware removal is a complicated task - usually it is best to allow antivirus or anti-malware programs to do this automatically. To remove this malware we recommend using Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows.
If you wish to remove malware manually, the first step is to identify the name of the malware that you are trying to remove. Here is an example of a suspicious program running on a user's computer:
If you checked the list of programs running on your computer, for example, using task manager, and identified a program that looks suspicious, you should continue with these steps:
Download a program called Autoruns. This program shows auto-start applications, Registry, and file system locations:
Restart your computer into Safe Mode:
Windows XP and Windows 7 users: Start your computer in Safe Mode. Click Start, click Shut Down, click Restart, click OK.
During your computer start process, press the F8 key on your keyboard multiple times until you see the Windows Advanced Option menu, and then select Safe Mode with Networking from the list.
Video showing how to start Windows 7 in "Safe Mode with Networking":
Windows 8 users: Start Windows 8 is Safe Mode with Networking - Go to Windows 8 Start Screen, type Advanced, in the search results select Settings. Click Advanced startup options, in the opened "General PC Settings" window, select Advanced startup. Click the "Restart now" button.
Your computer will now restart into the "Advanced Startup options menu". Click the "Troubleshoot" button, and then click the "Advanced options" button. In the advanced option screen, click "Startup settings".
Click the "Restart" button. Your PC will restart into the Startup Settings screen. Press F5 to boot in Safe Mode with Networking.
Video showing how to start Windows 8 in "Safe Mode with Networking":
Windows 10 users: Click the Windows logo and select the Power icon. In the opened menu click "Restart" while holding "Shift" button on your keyboard. In the "choose an option" window click on the "Troubleshoot", next select "Advanced options".
In the advanced options menu select "Startup Settings" and click on the "Restart" button. In the following window you should click the "F5" button on your keyboard. This will restart your operating system in safe mode with networking.
Video showing how to start Windows 10 in "Safe Mode with Networking":
Extract the downloaded archive and run the Autoruns.exe file.
In the Autoruns application, click "Options" at the top and uncheck "Hide Empty Locations" and "Hide Windows Entries" options. After this procedure, click the "Refresh" icon.
Check the list provided by the Autoruns application and locate the malware file that you want to eliminate.
You should write down its full path and name. Note that some malware hides process names under legitimate Windows process names. At this stage, it is very important to avoid removing system files.
After you locate the suspicious program you wish to remove, right click your mouse over its name and choose "Delete".
After removing the malware through the Autoruns application (this ensures that the malware will not run automatically on the next system startup), you should search for the malware name on your computer.
Be sure to enable hidden files and folders before proceeding. If you find the filename of the malware, be sure to remove it.
Reboot your computer in normal mode. Following these steps should remove any malware from your computer. Note that manual threat removal requires advanced computer skills. If you do not have these skills, leave malware removal to antivirus and anti-malware programs.
These steps might not work with advanced malware infections. As always it is best to prevent infection than try to remove malware later. To keep your computer safe, install the latest operating system updates and use antivirus software.
To be sure your computer is free of malware infections, we recommend scanning it with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows.
Outstanding!
▼ Show Discussion